MTL - Hail the King - ~ 1149, return to the eve

30-year-old Jo Minjoon has always wanted to become a chef. He started his culinary career late in life, however, and is currently chopping onions at a restaurant. Regretting his life choices, he wishes he could go back to change it all and falls asleep. Meanwhile, someone out there is willing to give him another chance and send him back in time. How will he use the new powers he obtained from this mysterious being?

Deep below the earth's surface, a mystifying subterranean seascape lurks, an archipelago bathed in inky blackness where suspense and horror hold court. Here lie strange islands and even stranger monsters, far beyond the realms of human imagination. In this domain, mankind is far from dominant; instead, madness and death rule supreme.

Pleading for mercy from the unknown creatures of the deep only leads to a slow, tortured existence. The trapped survivors gradually distort, losing what made them human, both physically and mentally, to the gloom as they remain trapped in this eternal obscurity. Their only hope? A perilous expedition into uncharted sea territories.

Fueled by determination, Charles embark on this daunting voyage aboard his steamship, aiming to reclaim humanity's past glory. Together with his crew, they sought a way out of this hidden sea world, a path back to the sunlit world above, where humans once stood tall.

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I read a few comments from Chinese readers that compared this novel with Lord of Mysteries because of similar elements: Lovecraftian, western fantasy, first industrial revolution, and steampunk. However, I have yet to finish reading Lord of Mysteries to do any actual comparison, but I do think those who have enjoyed that novel would enjoy this as well. Also, the author of LotM, Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, also did a shout-out for this novel, so I guess he approves of it too?

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Innocent looking but is actually a scheming lawyer Omega (gong) x Gentle and honest police officer Alpha (shou)

Nie Zihang and Yu Jingxuan’s first encounter took place in the police station late at night. Because his omega lover had cheated on him with an alpha, he had tossed a sphere of concentrated pheromone extract into a packed hot pot restaurant. He had to tell his lover that all alphas were wild animals that couldn’t tell friend from foe when they sense pheromones.

The story concluded with him being questioned by a police officer who, despite his gentle voice and dainty features, turned out to be an alpha as well.

“Mr. Nie, as a lawyer, don’t you think it’s bad to deliberately break the law?” The alpha asked him.

Nie Zihang casually tossed a video recording of the incident while smiling. “In accordance with the ABO Protection Act, my actions were lawful as self-defense. Officer Yu, you should not show unprincipled favoritism to wrongdoers simply because he’s an alpha, okay?”

The alpha courteously released him.

He assumed the issue was over until the next day, when a familiar face arrived at the law firm. A casually dressed Yu Jingxuan entered his office and mused, “Mr. Nie has a strong animosity against alphas. Would you mind if I asked you for help suing an ex-boyfriend? I want his reputation to go down.”

Nie Zihang arched his brow. “Oh? More information would be appreciated.”

Only then did he learn that Yu Jingxuan was also engaged in AA relationships. His ex-boyfriend had also cheated on him with an omega.

Since AO is the right path, why don’t we give it a try?

Anyhow, the gender also coincided well.

- Description from Novelupdates

He lived a life of mediocrity, plagued by regret. Instead of pursuing his dream of becoming a pro boxer, he listened to others and became a corporate slave. He was wrongly accused when money went missing from the company's account. He lost everything—his job, his friends, and even his family turned their backs on him.

Eventually, he became homeless.

On the same day, he witnessed a homeless woman being attacked in a dark alley while everyone ignored her shouts for help. Despite his own struggles, he couldn't ignore her plight. He decided to step in to protect her. Still, that only caused his downfall. He was stabbed to death…

Still, fate wasn’t done with him, and he had the chance to be reborn in a world of truly Infinite Paths… (The Human Path was unlocked) (You obtained the skill of Language.)

His story was a painful reminder of the consequences of settling for an ordinary life and the remorse that comes with it. His death highlighted the harsh reality of how his choices and circumstances led him to this tragic end. It served as a powerful message to him to strive for something greater, to never lose sight of his dreams, and to extend a helping hand to those in need, even in our darkest moments.

This time, he will live his life without regrets…

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